This Rosemary Garlic Turkey Breast is juicy and full of flavor. The fragrant garlic and fresh rosemary make your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks!
I love serving it during family dinners—it impresses everyone! Just pop it in the oven, and you’re all set for a tasty meal that makes you look like a pro chef! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A boneless turkey breast is the star here. If you can’t find boneless, you can use bone-in; just adjust cooking time. Alternatively, chicken breasts work well for a similar dish.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the herbs stick. You can substitute with vegetable oil or melted butter if desired. Both will add flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that rich flavor. If you’re out, use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon should suffice, but fresh truly shines in this recipe.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives a nicer fragrance. If you only have dried, use 1 teaspoon instead. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
Spices: The thyme and paprika are optional but they add great flavor and color. Don’t worry if you don’t have them; the turkey will still taste wonderful with just salt and pepper.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Breast Stays Moist?
Keeping turkey breast juicy can be tricky, but here’s how to do it:
- First, don’t skip the marinating step! Letting the turkey sit with the herb-garlic oil allows the flavors to soak in.
- During roasting, use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Take it out once it hits 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can lead to dryness.
- Basting halfway through is key too! It keeps the surface moist and enhances flavor.
- Let it rest after cooking! Cover it with foil for 10-15 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Turkey Breast
Ingredients:
- 1 (2 to 3 pounds) boneless turkey breast, skin on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 1 to 1.5 hours for roasting the turkey. Be sure to give yourself at least 30 minutes for marinating (or longer if possible). In total, expect around 2 hours from start to finish, with just a bit of active cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure even cooking of your turkey breast.
2. Make the Herb-Garlic Oil:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, dried thyme (if using), salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well until you create a fragrant herb-garlic oil.
3. Prepare the Turkey:
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps it brown nicely! Place it in a roasting pan or baking dish, ready for seasoning.
4. Season the Turkey:
Generously rub the herb-garlic oil mixture all over the turkey breast. Be sure to get some under the skin—this adds extra flavor and moisture!
5. Marinate the Turkey:
Let the turkey sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to absorb those delicious flavors. For the best results, cover it and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight if you have time!
6. Roast the Turkey:
Put the turkey breast in the preheated oven. Roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
7. Baste for Moisture:
About halfway through cooking, take the pan juices and baste the turkey. This keeps it nice and juicy throughout the roasting process.
8. Rest the Turkey:
Once it’s done cooking, carefully remove the turkey from the oven. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices in!
9. Slice and Garnish:
After resting, slice the turkey breast into pieces. If you like, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your rosemary garlic turkey breast warm and enjoy the wonderful flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for chicken breasts or pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as other meats may require different internal temperatures.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No worries! You can substitute with dried rosemary—just use about 1 teaspoon instead of 2 tablespoons. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so a little goes a long way!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Cooked Turkey?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating for the best quality.
